Unique Beaded Gems

Why Buy Handmade?

When we live in a world that is going through a financially difficult time why do we insist on remaining as a “throw away culture”? How often do we “grab a bargain” only to throw the item away in a few short months or even weeks? Does it not make more sense to invest our money wisely and buy things that are going to last? If your answer to the final question is “yes” then maybe you should think about buying handmade!!

This country is full of thousands of very talented crafters and artisans who are working hard to make a living from what they love doing. However, many struggle to do this as most of us would still rather go to our high streets and buy mass produced items, that probably thousands of others will also own, than spend just that little bit more on something that has been made with love, care and attention to detail!! Chances are the handmade item will also be completely unique!!

When you buy handmade:

• You are buying quality that will probably last a lot longer than most items that you buy on the High Street
• The product will have been checked and doubly-checked by the maker to ensure its quality, after all, it’s there reputation and livelihood on the line!
• You will get value for money as you are not paying for the “middle men” just the product
• You are demonstrating your own “unique style”, not copying thousands of others
• The artisan or crafter you are buying from will receive most of the money, it is not going to some huge, faceless company somewhere
• You will feel great as you are supporting the artisans and crafters directly

Here are just a few items that have been made by some very talented artisans and crafters that I have come across since starting my handmade jewellery business recently!!

A stunning notice-board made with vintage Laura Ashley material by Em Wallis of Sweet Cotton Threads. (http://www.sweetcottonthreads.co.uk/)

100% Cotton Shopper Tote Bag (approx. 40 x 40 cm) by Anna of Blackcactusinlondon (http://www.etsy.com/shop/blackcactusinlondon)
http://www.etsy.com/listing/49294566/etsy-hand-printed-cotton-shopper-tote)

Super cute tea cosy that is made from double yarn. It fits a medium sized pot (approximately 4 cups). It is hand knitted by Jacky Edwards of Jacksknits (http://www.folksy.com/items/322289-HAND-KNITTED-CUTE-OWL-TEA-COSY?shop=yes)

Gorgeous deep edge canvas painting of sunbathing beach huts. Several different mediums have been used including acrylic, textured paste and water colour, to name a few. Created by Penny Parkin from Christmas Cottage Crafts (http://www.folksy.com/items/613845-Beach-Huts-sunbathing?shop=yes)

Romantic capelet crocheted from 70% mohair yarn, perfect for keeping the chill off at a British summer wedding or for teaming up with a tshirt and jeans for a vintage casual look. It measures 84 x 28cms and has been hand crocheted by Zerin Safa of Candlefloss Created (http://www.folksy.com/items/465337--Misty-Mint-Angel-s-Whisper-Capelet-Mohair?shop=yes)

Hand painted dark pink and yellow batik baby vest to fit a 3 month old (vest length 34cm).This has been hand painted by Cheerymishmash from Cheerymishmash (http://www.folksy.com/items/607429-Little-sweetheart-batik-baby-vest-age-3-months)

This gorgeous chap is Benjamin Bear. There are no others like him!! He has been handcrafted from fleece with felt paw pads and is filled with hollow fibre filling. He is fully jointed and positionable with safety plastic joints. He is 40cms tall when standing and all his clothes have been handmade too. He has been created by Dawn Treacher from Treacher Creatures (http://www.folksy.com/items/614921-Teddy-Bear-Benjamin-Single-Edition)

oh……………….and one of my items too!

Agate, honey jade and tiger skin quartz necklace. The beads are strung on suede and the length can be adjusted by knotting. The total length is 34". All findings on this necklace are Sterling silver. Handcrafted by me, Jo Walters, from Unique Beaded Gems (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Unique-Beaded-Gems/263472909436?v=app_135607783795&ref=ts#!/pages/Unique-Beaded-Gems/263472909436?v=wall&ref=ts)